Descriptions of a 1950s-era fire at an Ishpeming landmark:

“Fire this morning burned out the half-century old Ishpeming National Guard Armory, once a favorite recreational site for the city’s young men.

“At 10:30 the blaze was brought under control by firemen from Ishpeming, Negaunee and Marquette after (it) had raged through the wooden interior of the old YMCA building and threatened several nearby establishments.

“Flames for a time threatened nearby establishments, as burning tarpaper from the armory roof was blown about by the winds, but firemen — working in 16-degree weather — poured tons of water into the structure to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading. Hoses were used to wet down other building periled by the flames.” (Mining Journal, Feb. 3, 1959)

“For a time, it was thought that the fire might set off 15,000 rounds of M-1 rifle ammunition, but Guard officials and Police Chief Frank Sarvello soon scotched rumors of that danger. They pointed out that the ammunition was in a safe place — in a cement vault in the basement — and that, even if it did explode, damage would be confined to the armory.

“By the time firemen from the three cities brought the blaze under control, the roof had collapsed, and the inside of the structure was virtually burned out.

“The fire was discovered at 6:50 a.m. by two city policemen who were checking a report of a broken window at the armory. They noticed smoke coming out from around the chimney on the outside of the building and promptly alerted the fire department. All three trucks immediately rushed to the scene.” (Mining Journal, Feb. 3, 1959)

“Because of the flaming tarpaper flying about, children were evacuated from St. John’s Catholic Grade School, about a block away from the armory, as a precaution. Several residents near the structure also left their homes when they heard rumors that the rifle ammunition was in danger of exploding.” (Mining Journal, Feb. 3, 1959)

The YMCA in Ishpeming shuttered its doors in the mid-1930s. The mining companies could no longer afford to keep it open. The building stood empty for over a decade.

“Until May 3, 1949, no National Guard unit had been stationed permanently in Ishpeming. On that date, the 107th’s Headquarters & Service Co. was transferred here from Marquette, along with the battalion’s Medical Detachment. In the fall of 1949, a third unit — Battalion’s Headquarters — was transferred to Ishpeming from Calumet.” (Mining Journal, Feb. 3, 1959)

The Narotzky Motors building housed the units until the spring of 1951, when they moved into permanent quarters in the old YMCA building, converted into an armory through the cooperation of the city.

“National Guard officers said today the minimum damage estimate on the Ishpeming Armory would be in excess of half a million dollars.

“Maj. Carleton Babb, battalion operations and training director, said the estimate is based on current construction and replacement costs. The exact total will not be known until salvage operations are complete, he said.” (Mining Journal, Feb. 6, 1959)

“Maj. Babb said the Ishpeming National Guard unit would set up operations above the Narotzky garage until a new armory is built.”

Pajula & Maki Contractors razed the burned-out structure after salvage operations were concluded.

“An application has been filed with National Guard and Defense Department officials here (in Washington, D.C.) for emergency funds to rebuild the Ishpeming National Guard Armory, according to Rep. John B. Bennett, Ontonagon, 12th Michigan District congressman.

“Rep. Bennett met here this morning with Brig. Gen. Ronald O. McDonald, Michigan quartermaster general, to discuss rebuilding plans. Estimated cost of new construction would be approximately $375,000 of which 75 per cent would be federal funds.” (Mining Journal, Feb. 6, 1959)

A new armory was eventually built, but it wasn’t nearly as soon as anyone expected. Construction did not start until April 1961.